South West Illinois News

Sparta Community Unit School District 140 Board candidate Rob Soderlund discussed his motivation for running and his skill set for the position during an interview with SW Illinois News.

"My main motivation is, I think, it's part of my civic duty," Soderlund said. "I think the current board is doing some things right and I just want to continue that. I'm from the district, went to school here, and have been a coach here. I know the people and feel we'd be able to work well together."

"I have two kids that graduated from the district and 12-year-old twins," he said. "My kids are a big factor in my run, but at the end of the day, I just want what's best for all the kids. My biggest concern is the curriculum coming from the state board. I don't like some of the things they're trying to push on the kids and I want to be a voice for parents."

Sparta District 140's website says its vision is "empowerment through education," while its mission is "to create a culture of pride where students accept responsibility to fuel transformation and promote success." Schools in the district include the Evansville Attendance Center, the Sparta Lincoln School and Sparta High School.

"Our kindergarten through eighth grade school provides a safe and engaging learning environment to meet the needs of the whole child for each student in our school," Evansville Attendance Center's website states. "We hold high expectations for our students, working to develop their social-emotional, health, critical thinking and problem solving skills. EAC serves the families in Evansville, Walsh, Schuline, Ellis Grove, and Sparta, Illinois."

"Sparta High School will create a culture of pride where students accept responsibility to fuel transformation and promote post-secondary success," the center's website states.